Croome & West Warwickshire Foxhounds

Introduction

The Croome & West Warwickshire Hunt are a friendly hunt and like to welcome newcomers to the sport. We accept that novices can find their first hunting venture a bit daunting, so to help you we have produced the information below as a guide.

There is no need to regard hunting as old fashioned because in fact most of the traditions, etiquette and behaviour associated with hunting are practical and exist for very good reason, such as to show a mark of respect to the landowners who’s land the hunt crosses and to show appreciation for the work that hunt officials have put in to planning for the day’s sport.

When planning your first day, please get in touch with the Hunt Secretary to find out which meets are suitable for newcomers. Town Meets, such as Christmas Eve and Boxing day may not be suitable due to the confined space and mix of general public and horses.

If you prefer to go with the non-jumping field, please find out on arrival at the meet who will be taking the non-jumpers and make yourself known to them.

Remember: We all had a "First Time" & If in doubt Ask.

The Hunting Year

Officially our year begins on May 1st which is the date upon which new staff or Masters begin their duties but it is easier to follow the pattern of the year if we begin when hunting begins which, for us, is when the harvest allows (normally the beginning of September).

Autumn Hunting

In this very early part of the season meets are held early in the morning before the temperature rises and evaporates the scent. Meets are held at least twice each week, most are shortly after sun-rise and are part of the process of preparing horses, hounds and the country for the coming season. The Dress code for Autumn Hunting is called ‘Ratcatcher’ (see Terminology & Hunting Phrases for a brief description).

The Main Season

The ‘formal season’ starts on the first Saturday in November with “The Opening Meet”. This is one of the highlights of the year when supporters gather to enjoy the hospitality of our host. It’s a time to catch up with old friends and make new ones.

Who is who

The Masters

Are in overall command of the hunting activities. They decide when and where hounds will meet, what coverts are to be drawn, and when hounds will go home. They are responsible for hounds showing the best possible sport under existing conditions; and are responsible for the hounds, the staff, and making sure the riders only go where they are permitted neither causing damage nor annoying the landowners who make the sport possible. In this hunt, there are five joint masters, each dealing with a different section of the country (the area we hunt over).

The Huntsman

Controls the hounds, indicating to them by his horn or voice when he wishes them to follow a trail or flush to the bird of prey. He attempts to be sure that hounds work together as a pack by encouraging the tail hounds and steadying the lead hounds. In the case of a check he must be prepared to assist hounds to recover the line by use of a cast if necessary. His technical decisions must be quickly made, and staff and Field must abide by them.

The Whippers-in

Assist the Huntsman in controlling hounds by turning them back to the Huntsman or by encouraging them forward to him as necessary. Whippers-in are also used by the Huntsman to retrieve the hounds should they engage a hare or deer. No one except the Huntsman gives orders to Whippers-In. No one, except by request of the Huntsman or master, should accompany them or attempt to assist them.

The Field

Consists of the mounted followers and is controlled by the Field Master who rides at the head of it. The Field Master is responsible for and leading and controlling the Field across the country in pursuit of hounds. Whilst also seeing that the Field does not interfere with hounds in their work; and he is also responsible for seeing that the Field avoids damage to the landowners’ property. The Field should follow the Field Master and follow his instructions.